Photographing the Vibrant Green of Spring

The rolling hills of the East Bay area of Northern California are an incredible vibrant green this spring. I’ve been shooting on Mt. Diablo and Briones Regional Preserve and all the rain after a long drought (technically still not over) has given the grasses reason to be especially exuberant this year.

Not only has it been great for the grasses, but the rains have also caused many trail closures and damage. A significant number of places tagged for our photo locations are closed because it’s still too dangerous to hike. The idea of a redwood tree suddenly collapsing on my head while hiking is not terribly inviting!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I often think of what I’d want to look at if I were sick in a hospital bed, or if I were a family member in a waiting room what I’d want to see on the wall. The rolling, beautiful, calming lines of these rolling hills covered in vibrant grass and wildflowers would sure be nice to see on a wall! The flowing lines of the hills suggest to me a rounding out of the rough edges of life, a sort of “this too shall pass” feeling from taking a long view.

There are many studies about the psychological attributes of the color green including an article The Emotional Effects of Color, on the Art Therapy blog. As I’m hiking around on these hills the ones that most come to mind with all the green are:

Health
Vibrancy
Relaxation
Renewal
Harmony
Equilibrium

I’m not sure if it’s the color green, spring or the rolling hills but after taking a shot and before I pack up my backpack again, I have to stop and look for a moment at what I’ve just captured. Those feelings mentioned just wash over me just as palpably as the breeze on my skin. I hope it’s conveyed to you in these photographs….

Why This Blog?

I started this blog several years ago to learn more from experts about using art in healthcare. It became the basis for my book "Picture of Health: Handbook for Healthcare Art." The intended audience includes interior designers, art consultants, architects, framers, hospital staff and artists. As a doctor, I know what stressful places hospitals can be. Hopefully the blog will help us all create more comforting, healing places.